Despite a large body of work in films, TV, theatre and concerts, I am viewed by many as a Jewish artist. I do not resent the label, except for the fact that I disapprove of labels in general.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
But, when I toil in the field of Jewish culture which I frequently do, I am indeed a Jewish artist.
I claimed identity as Jewish musicians for political reasons, because most of us were touring in Germany and, at this time, twelve years ago, there was a strong resurgence of Nazism in the places we were touring and part of that was on the music scene.
My music is really about people connecting with their identities, even if they aren't Jewish.
The Jews are an artistic people. It's clear from the music, the actors, the writers. They are just artists. In the early part of the 20th century, when they first came over, they had no money, but they still went to theater. The theater and education were the two biggest things in their lives.
Sometimes people come to my shows and think I'm a Christian artist, and they put their hands up in the air, like they do. But first of all, I'm a Jewish girl from the Valley, and I'm from Los Angeles. It's funny to be misinterpreted.
I wear this label of a Christian filmmaker proudly.
I think any label is bad. I'm more than a label.
I don't think any of us think of ourselves as artists or actors - clowns, we'll accept that label.
While I am very much Jewish 'identified,' I'm not a very religious person.
I don't hide my being Israeli. I say it in every interview. I put out a record with songs in Hebrew. The people who signed me have no connection to Judaism or Israel.